Tripoli-based brigades give thumbs down to military rule, dictatorship

Several armed brigades in Tripoli issued a statement Friday night following the protests and the shooting at the people in Martyrs Square on Friday evening to dismiss the schemes of the “ones who are looking forward to spreading division and chaos in the capital.

The brigades that are part of the Government of National Accord (GNA) said they will hit with an iron fist all the parties that aim at creating a state of chaos in Tripoli.

“We are all against the rule of the military and the return of the dictatorship to Libya as well as the glorification of individuals like the war captive Khalifa Haftar.” The brigades’ statement says.

They also added that they are against terrorism and extremism as well as the so-called Operation Dignity.

“We are with activating the police and military institutions as well as with the freedom of speech that is in line with the aims and principles of 17 February revolution.”

A number of protesters took to Tripoli’s Martyrs Square on Friday evening calling for the intervention of Operation Dignity in Tripoli and sneaking into an already-held demonstration at the square calling for calm in the capital.

According to videos posted online, unknown groups opened fire at the protesters in the square and dispersed them.

The sources did not say if anybody was killed or injured in the protest.

The sources added that the protesters also held slogans urging Khalifa Haftar to bring his so-called army to stabilise the capital.